Introduction
The iPhone 14 Plus, launched in late 2022, was positioned as a powerful option for users seeking a large display and enhanced battery life without stepping into the Pro range. In 2025, with a Certified Refurbished price starting at $390—more than 50% off its original release price—many buyers are considering whether the iPhone 14 Plus is still a worthwhile investment. This blog explores its value and relevance in 2025.
Price and Availability
Per our UpTrade Price Tracker, a Certified Refurbished iPhone 14 Plus starts at $390 in 2025. This price makes it a compelling option for those who want a near-flagship experience without the hefty price tag of newer models. It’s an ideal choice for users seeking excellent performance, a large display, and long-lasting battery life.
Why the iPhone 14 Plus Is Worth Buying in 2025
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Software Support
The iPhone 14 Plus continues to support the latest iOS version and is expected to receive updates and security patches for several more years. This ensures compatibility with new apps and features, giving buyers a future-proof device.
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Performance
Powered by the A15 Bionic chipset, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 Pro models, the iPhone 14 Plus delivers fast and efficient performance. Its advanced GPU ensures smooth multitasking, gaming, and app usage.
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Display
The iPhone 14 Plus features a stunning 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. With HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, it offers vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and sharp details, making it perfect for media consumption and productivity.
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Camera System
Its dual-camera system, including a 12 MP wide lens and a 12 MP ultrawide lens, ensures excellent photo and video quality. Key features like Night Mode, Smart HDR 4, and 4K video recording make it a standout for casual photographers and videographers.
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Battery Life
The iPhone 14 Plus boasts one of the best battery performances among Apple’s non-Pro models, with its large 4323mAh battery lasting a full day of heavy usage. With fast charging and MagSafe support, it’s built for convenience.
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Build Quality
The iPhone 14 Plus combines premium materials with durability. Its Ceramic Shield front, aluminum frame, and IP68 water resistance ensure it withstands daily wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
Potential Drawbacks
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Pricing
While $390 is a significant discount from its release price, some buyers might find it steep compared to older models like the iPhone 13 or 12. However, the newer hardware and extended software support justify the price.
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Lack of Pro Features
The iPhone 14 Plus lacks ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate) and a telephoto lens, features that are exclusive to the Pro lineup. Buyers seeking these features may need to consider the Pro models at a higher price.
Comparison to Alternatives
iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Plus
While both models share many similarities, they cater to different user preferences:
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Display Size:
The iPhone 14 Plus offers a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, better suited for immersive activities like streaming, gaming, and multitasking. The 6.1-inch display on the iPhone 14 is more compact and portable, ideal for users who prefer a lighter and more manageable device.
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Battery Life:
With a larger body, the iPhone 14 Plus houses a bigger battery, offering up to 26 hours of video playback. In comparison, the iPhone 14 provides up to 20 hours. For heavy users or those who travel frequently, the extended battery life of the Plus model is a significant advantage.
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Weight and Portability:
The iPhone 14 Plus, while larger, is also heavier. It may feel bulkier in the hand or pocket compared to the lighter and more compact iPhone 14. Users seeking portability might find the standard iPhone 14 more convenient for daily use.
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Price:
Certified Refurbished models of the iPhone 14 Plus start at $390, offering great value for its features. However, the iPhone 14, with its slightly lower price point, starting at $320, may appeal to budget-conscious buyers who don’t need the larger screen or extra battery life.
Recommendation: Choose the iPhone 14 Plus if screen size and battery life are priorities. Opt for the iPhone 14 if you prefer portability and a more budget-friendly option.
iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Plus
Both models are compelling options in 2025, with clear distinctions that cater to different needs:
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Performance:
Both devices feature the A15 Bionic chip, but the iPhone 13 Pro includes an extra GPU core, providing enhanced graphics performance for gaming, photo editing, and other demanding tasks. The iPhone 14 Plus performs similarly but lacks the same level of graphical power, which is generally sufficient for most users.
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Camera System:
The iPhone 13 Pro’s triple-camera setup includes a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, which is perfect for users who need advanced photography features. The iPhone 14 Plus, with its dual-camera setup, still delivers excellent performance but lacks the telephoto lens and some Pro-specific photography capabilities like ProRAW and ProRes video recording.
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Display:
The iPhone 13 Pro’s 6.1-inch ProMotion OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations and better responsiveness than the iPhone 14 Plus’s standard 60Hz display. However, the 14 Plus compensates with a larger 6.7-inch screen, which is great for media consumption and productivity.
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Battery Life:
The iPhone 14 Plus leads in battery life, providing up to 26 hours of video playback compared to the iPhone 13 Pro’s 22 hours. Users who prioritize longer battery life will find the 14 Plus more appealing.
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Build Quality:
The iPhone 13 Pro features a stainless steel frame, giving it a more premium and durable feel than the iPhone 14 Plus’s aluminum frame. This makes the Pro model more robust but also heavier.
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Price and Value:
We have noticed the iPhone 13 Pro has dropped to $350+, which is lower than the iPhone 14 Plus in the Certified Refurbished market. However, you may not always get it below the iPhone 14 Plus. It depends on the stock availability.
Recommendation: The iPhone 13 Pro is an excellent option for those who value a premium build, advanced camera capabilities, and ProMotion display. The iPhone 14 Plus, on the other hand, is better suited for users who prioritize battery life and a larger screen.
Full Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPhone 14 Plus |
iPhone 14 |
iPhone 13 Pro |
| Network Technology |
5G, Gigabit LTE |
5G, Gigabit LTE |
5G, Gigabit LTE |
| Launch |
September 2022 |
September 2022 |
September 2021 |
| Build |
Ceramic Shield front, glass back, aluminum frame |
Ceramic Shield front, glass back, aluminum frame |
Ceramic Shield front, glass back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions & Weight |
160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm, 203 g |
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, 172 g |
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm, 203 g |
| Display |
6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED, 2778 x 1284 pixels (458 ppi) |
6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) |
6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi), ProMotion (120Hz) |
| Chipset |
A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) |
A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) |
A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) |
| Camera System |
Dual: 12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide |
Dual: 12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide |
Triple: 12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP telephoto, 3x optical zoom |
| Front Camera |
12 MP, SL 3D, Autofocus |
12 MP, SL 3D, Autofocus |
12 MP, SL 3D, Autofocus |
| Battery |
4325 mAh, 26 hours video playback |
3279 mAh, 20 hours video playback |
3095 mAh, 22 hours video playback |
| Charging |
20W wired, MagSafe and Qi wireless charging |
20W wired, MagSafe and Qi wireless charging |
20W wired, MagSafe and Qi wireless charging |
| Water Resistance |
IP68 (6 meters for 30 minutes) |
IP68 (6 meters for 30 minutes) |
IP68 (6 meters for 30 minutes) |
| Storage Options |
128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Operating System |
iOS 16, upgradable to iOS 18 |
iOS 16, upgradable to iOS 18 |
iOS 15, upgradable to iOS 18 |
| 5G Support |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Pricing* (2025) |
$390+ |
$320+ |
$350+ |
* These are the starting prices of Certified Used or Refurbished iPhones based on our Price Tracker.
Who Should Buy the iPhone 14 Plus in 2025?
The iPhone 14 Plus is an excellent choice for buyers prioritizing a large display and long battery life. Its 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display is perfect for gamers, media enthusiasts, and multitaskers who want an immersive screen experience. Additionally, its A15 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance for demanding apps and future iOS updates, making it a reliable device for the years ahead.
This device is ideal for users who want a modern iPhone without stepping into the Pro lineup. If you’re looking for a phone that can easily handle all-day use, provide great camera results, and support the latest iOS updates without the added features or higher price of Pro models, the iPhone 14 Plus is a fantastic option.
Conclusion
The iPhone 14 Plus is a worthy investment in 2025 for users seeking a large display, reliable performance, and all-day battery life. Priced at $390+, it’s an attractive option for those who want modern features without the higher cost of Pro models. However, budget-conscious buyers may find alternatives like the iPhone 14 or iPhone 13 Pro to be better fitted depending on their needs.
For a hassle-free and secure purchase, explore Certified Refurbished iPhone 14 Plus devices on UpTrade, where quality and value go hand in hand. Whether going for the iPhone 14 Plus or another model, UpTrade ensures you get the best deals from trusted sellers, making your purchase experience safe, easy, and reliable.
